Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to North Africa with explorers and became popular in that area. Because of their beauty and their purifying effect, these blossoms are often kept in the households and temples of South Asia. Gardeners use this species as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.

Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to Europe with explorers and became popular as ornamental plants. Because of their beauty, they often adorned statues of Mary, resulting in the common name "Mary's gold." Gardeners often use this species as a companion plant for vegetables, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.The species name "patula" comes from the Latin word for "spreading wide," referring to the opening blossoms.

Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to Europe with explorers and became popular as ornamental plants. Because of their beauty, they often adorned statues of Mary, resulting in the common name "Mary's gold." Gardeners often use this species as a companion plant for vegetables, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.The species name "patula" comes from the Latin word for "spreading wide," referring to the opening blossoms.

Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to Europe with explorers and became popular as ornamental plants. Because of their beauty, they often adorned statues of Mary, resulting in the common name "Mary's gold." Gardeners often use this species as a companion plant for vegetables, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.The species name "patula" comes from the Latin word for "spreading wide," referring to the opening blossoms.

Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to Europe with explorers and became popular as ornamental plants. Because of their beauty, they often adorned statues of Mary, resulting in the common name "Mary's gold." Gardeners often use this species as a companion plant for vegetables, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.The species name "patula" comes from the Latin word for "spreading wide," referring to the opening blossoms.